Experience Overview
The North Island of New Zealand is blessed with spectacular scenery, ranging from bubbling thermal pools to fast flowing rivers. The best way to see all of this? Get up close and personal. This itinerary includes biking through Karangahake Gorge and hiking the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world's most famous one-day hikes — before jet boats and kayaks provide the transport along the Whanganui River. Mix in some bubbling mud and a traditional hangi dinner, and this is the perfect active introduction to New Zealand.
Highlights
- Cycle through the stunning Karangahake Gorge
- Check out bubbling mud pools in a geothermal area
- Learn about traditional Maori artistry
- Hike the Tongariro Crossing — one of the world's greatest one-day hikes
- Kayak along the Whanganui River.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2667
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Basic
Transport: Private vehicle, jet boat, kayak, bicycle, walking.
Guide Language: English
Travel Styles: Budget
Supplier Code: ONNM
Starts: Auckland, New Zealand
Finishes: Auckland, New Zealand
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical rating: Average
Includes
Activities
- Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
- All Blacks Experience
- Cycle through Karangahake Gorge
- Traditional hangi dinner
- Tongariro Alpine Crossing hiking excursion (weather dependent)
- Jet boat and kayak along Whanganui River
- Free time in Rotorua and Waitomo
- All transport between destinations and to/from included activities
Accommodation
- Hotels (5 nts), lodges (2 nts).
- 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 3 dinners
Transport
- Private vehicle, jet boat, kayak, bicycle, walking.
Group Leader
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guides.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD 2379 (CAD 297 /day)
Itinerary
Day 1: Auckland
Arrive to your hotel by 3pm today to jump straight into the action with an exclusive introduction to the All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby union team. Experience the mighty Haka and then opt to grab dinner with your group.
Day 2: Auckland/Rotorua
Enjoy a morning cycle through the beautiful Karangahake Gorge, then travel on to the lakes region of Rotorua. En route to Rotorua visit Okere falls.
Day 3: Rotorua
Enjoy a free morning in Rotorua, a town in a geothermal area with boiling mud and hotpools. Opt to go whitewater rafting, go hiking, or soak in some hot springs. Later in the afternoon, visit the New Zealand Arts and Crafts Institute to speak to local Maori carvers and tuck into a delicious Hangi meal cooked underground.
This region of New Zealand is renowned for its geothermal qualities. Enjoy free time to experience the regions' geothermal wonders. Go white water rafting or indulge in the therapeutic hot springs.
Day 4: Rotorua/Whanganui National Park
Admire the scenery while heading to Whanganui National Park.
Travel to Blue Duck Station, a working farm and nature conservancy that serves as our gateway to Whanganui National Park.
Marvel at the Whanganui River - the third longest in New Zealand - as it flows out to the west coast of the North Island from Mt Tongariro. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
Day 5: Whanganui National Park
Experience one of New Zealand's “Great Walks” by kayak on a day trip into the heart of Whanganui National Park. Explore the Whanganui River further by jet boat, visiting old Maori and European settlements. Learn about the region's natural history, conservation efforts for indigenous wildlife (including the endangered New Zealand blue duck) and Blue Duck Station's sustainable farming practices.
During short walks or stops en route, learn about the region's history and local conservation efforts. Return to Blue Duck Station for the night. Enjoy a delicious dinner.
Day 6: Whanganui National Park/Tongariro National Park
Today we conquer the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, New Zealand's top-rated 1-day trek and spend time hiking an active volcano. Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery.
Mt Tongariro's rocky, dramatic landscapes make this day-long trek truly one of New Zealand's "Great Walks", passing emerald lakes and beautiful alpine scenery. Start early and collect supplies before heading out. The transfer will drop the group off at the beginning of the self-guided trek and collect everyone at the other end. After the trek, travel to a nearby alpine village for the night and enjoy a well earned dinner with your travel companions.
Day 7: Tongariro National Park/Waitomo District
Travel north to the small town of Waitomo, located near an extensive underground cave system. Enjoy a free afternoon, and opt to explore Waitomo Valley's unique landscape by foot. Settle into your accommodation close by, and enjoy a final dinner together to say farewell to those finishing their tour in Auckland tomorrow.
Day 8: Waitomo District/Auckland
After an early start, visit the Waitomo Glowworm Caves, and take a boat ride through this spectacular underground realm to see thousands of flickering glowworms light up in the dark. Travel north to Auckland where your tour will end around 1pm.
Similar Experiences
Tour Operator
G Adventures
G Adventures is an operator of small-group escorted tours. It is based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with 28 offices worldwide. It offers more than 700 itineraries in more than 100 countries, and carries 200,000 travelers from 160 countries each year.
In Business Since 1990
Reviews
Jovanna B. - Traveled, November 2023
Our family of 4 has just completed our 4th G tour and each one is just amazing. Reasons we love G and will continue to travel: 1.) the CEOs are exceptional They have all been so friendly, knowledgeable, responsible, and very enthusiastic. it's clear they love their job 2.) the tours are a good deal for the money if you like adventure travel. We can afford more luxurious travel but continue with G for like minded travelers, the pace (we see and do so much!!!) and itineraries. I check on the locations and G usually hits everything I would want to see/do. As we age and slow a bit (our kids are high school/college now) my husband and I are excited to try the new Glux for just the 2 of us if it's going to be the same G Adventures but with a little extra cushion
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Dominic D. - Traveled, November 2023
Active trip
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/31/2023
Hugh S. - Traveled, December 2023
The tour was well planned, the CEO highly knowledgeable as well as very organized and an excellent driver! The sites seen and explored were exceptional. The group size was perfect - there was realld camaraderie among members of the group. Food and accommodation were excellent.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Sophie C. - Traveled, November 2023
December 17 Well planned with great guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Sophie B. - Traveled, November 2023
James was a bloody awesome tour guide and we had the best time. It was a great way to meet new people while sharing different experiences, highly recommend
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Melanie M. - Traveled, November 2023
It was a great tour, with an excellent selection of places we visited and where we had a great choice of activities. We got a really great insight into the country
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
Luke T. - Traveled, November 2023
Good guides, good pace, and reliable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/17/2023
David G. - Traveled, November 2023
Positive experience with travel covering the keys activities and places I wanted to visit
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
James M. - Traveled, November 2023
,Specifically to outdoor adventure active travelers? I think this trip was perfect. Lots of activities. A good variety of ages / backgrounds of travelers. Our guide was phenomenal. I hope they're all as good as Shorty / Siobhan __
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Alison F. - Traveled, November 2023
Our tour guide Siobhan was an absolute star. Nothing was too much trouble for her, she knew her stuff and filled us with information everyday. She was amazing.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/03/2023
Lena W. - Traveled, October 2023
Really good exp. Really good tour guide. Really good choices of activities/locations. Areas for improvement: 1. Could have a single supplement option 2. Could maybe seek more local, authentic food options. One of the nights was a meal at a pub. Food choices could be more curated
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Robert N. - Traveled, October 2023
Easy way to do it, fun with a group and the tour guides are amazing and enthusiastic!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/19/2023
Ryan B. - Traveled, March 2023
Well organized and fantastic guide
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2023
Courtney W. - Traveled, March 2023
G has helped me travel solo and make such deep connections with others - I always encourage other friends to try it. Plus it's so easy and well thought out.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/23/2023
Kathleen W. - Traveled, March 2023
Great. CEO who made the experience positive and a perfect size of a small group of fellow travelers who made the time together enjoyable! Lots of activities. didn't feel rushed. Just great!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2023
Baris B. - Traveled, March 2023
It is the well organized trip and the guide cares about the members if needed.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/09/2023
Chun M. - Traveled, February 2023
The G Adventures NZ North Island tour was amazing and I really enjoyed it. Would definitely recommend it to anyone interested in an adventure-style tour with plenty of outdoor activities and who doesn't mind a simpler style of accommodation. The downsides were minor and wouldn't stop me from recommending.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/26/2023
Mariko R. - Traveled, February 2023
I had a lot of fun on this trip, for a reasonable price. The tour felt like a good balance of structure and flexibility. I also learned a lot about the area :
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2023
Bipasha C. - Traveled, February 2023
I was satisfied with my travel experience and would highly recommend it to others
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2023
Paula S. - Traveled, February 2023
Taz was a great guide. Very friendly and helpful
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/26/2023
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